In loving memory of

Mathew Ryan Lancaster
September 30, 1989 - August 1, 2018

Mathew Ryan Lancaster, age 28, of Portsmouth, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 after a swimming accident.Mathew was born in Fall River, MA to Shawn Lancaster and Denise (Davis) Lancaster of Portsmouth.He graduated from Portsmouth High School in 2007 and continued on to the New England Culinary Institute. He learned early on the teamwork of working in a kitchen, first washing dishes at the Sportsman in Portsmouth, then quickly learning his way through the different roles in the kitchen. He added to his culinary education early with the Rogers HS Culinary training program while in high school. He followed his dream and began working at well established restaurants in Boston, most recently at Hopewell Bar and Kitchen in Allston. As a young kid, he enjoyed baseball and skateboarding, and he loved going to Red Sox games while living in Boston and watching it on TV. He was always a positive person, he enjoyed a good joke, but treasured his family and friendships the most.Mathew is survived by his parents Denise and Shawn Lancaster of Portsmouth, his sister Jessica Lancaster of Riverside, RI, and many aunts and uncles, cousins, and his dear goddaughter Bella Davis.He was preceded in death by his grandparents Evelyn and Francis Davis, and Claudia Lancaster.Calling hours will be held Tuesday, August 7, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 8, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, Broadway, Newport.Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph's Church Soup Kitchen, 5 Mann Avenue, Newport, RI 02840.

Tributes

Expression of Sympathy wrote on Aug 7, 2018:

"An Assorted Plant Basket was ordered on August 7, 2018"

Hilarie Baron wrote on Aug 7, 2018:

"I am very sorry for your loss and your family are in my thoughts and prayers"

june weeden wrote on Aug 7, 2018:

"shaun denise and Jessica I am so sorry for your loss my prayers to the family"

Expression of Sympathy wrote on Aug 6, 2018:

"A White and Blue Urn was ordered on August 6, 2018"

Diane Holdridge wrote on Aug 5, 2018:

"Mattie lit up the room with his smile & personality. His loss is devasting to all that loved him especially his parents & sister, DeDe, Shawn & Jessica. He life was cut way to short but he lived his life to the fullest, an d enjoyed everyday. God must have needed a great chef. We love you Mattie, Jess, Shawn & DeDe. Pete & Diane"

Expression of Sympathy wrote on Aug 5, 2018:

"A Respect was ordered on August 5, 2018"

sandra bigalke wrote on Aug 4, 2018:

"Ded Dee and Shawn,I can't express deeply enough how I feel for your grief. No one should have to bury a child, but trust in God that he will help you through your pain. Aunt Sandra and Uncle Allan."

Julia Buccieri wrote on Aug 4, 2018:

"Matty was one of the most remarkable people I have ever been lucky to be close to. I wish he really knew how special he was, though I told him all the time. He was my rock at work and in life over the past year. Walking into Hopewell and just seeing him smile or giving each other a hug, was the best part of the day. He was such a talented chef, and he didn't even know how great he was, let alone acted like it. I was in awe of his grace, beauty and kindness every day that I knew him. He would do anything for anyone, and never need recognition for it. That was just inherently him. Deep condolences to his family and all his other friends. I'm sure your hearts break like mine."

Lisa Castillo wrote on Aug 4, 2018:

"Shawn, DeeDee and Jessica,Thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time of sorrow. There are no words to express my deepest and heart-felt condolenceson the loss of you beautiful, handsome son Matty.I will forever remember when Matty and his cousin came to CCHC with their skateboards to walk my co-worker and I to lunch atBen's ChiliDog.Matty said:That's all we can affordfor lunch,( his allowance)Me: How sweet...my treat!!Matty: Offeredto pull me a ride up Broadway onhis skateboardThat was so sweet and caring at such a young age, I know his compassion and thoughtfulness only grew into a young man..Matty will always be remembered, God has a beautiful angel...much love:Lisa at CCHCMe: "he saidwill always cherish the fond memories of Matty,"

Kim Connor-Anderson wrote on Aug 4, 2018:

"Shawn and Dee Dee so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and Love"